Movies About Good Friday

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. It stars Tom Hanks, Sally Field, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise and Mykelti Williamson. The story follows the life of low I.Q. Forrest Gump, who despite his diminished mental capacity, leads an extraordinary life, achieving success in many areas. The film chronicles his adventures over the three decades of his life, from his childhood in the 1950s, to his enlistment in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and finally to his reunion with his childhood sweetheart and their life together. Along the way, he meets and influences numerous people, including Presidents of the United States, with whom he develops a strong friendship. The film won numerous awards, including six Academy Awards, making it one of the most successful films in history.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

Back to the Future is a 1985 science fiction comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale. It stars Michael J. Fox as teenager Marty McFly, who is accidentally sent back in time to 1955, where he meets his future parents and becomes his mother's romantic interest. With the help of his eccentric scientist friend, Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown, Marty must find a way to return to the present day before it's too late. Along the way, Marty encounters bumbling terrorists, an amusingly inefficient police force, and a time-traveling DeLorean. The film was a huge box-office success, spawning two sequels and revolutionizing the time travel genre.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

Good Will Hunting is a 1997 drama written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Directed by Gus Van Sant, the film follows the story of Will Hunting, a young genius from a rough Boston neighborhood with a troubled past. After getting arrested for assaulting a police officer, he is offered a deal that would spare him jail time if he agrees to receive counseling from a therapist. After meeting the therapist, Will begins to open up and confront his past trauma. With the help of his friend, Skylar, and the therapist, Will begins to pursue a meaningful life. The film explores themes of identity, masculinity, and friendship as Will navigates life and his own relationships.

From John Lasseter, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney
Rated G

Toy Story is a revolutionary animated film from Pixar that tells the story of a group of toys that come to life when humans are not around. Led by Woody, a classic cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space-ranger action figure, the toys are faced with the prospect of a new toy, Andy's birthday present, threatening Woody's place as Andy's favorite. As they struggle to return to Andy before he moves away, the toys experience an adventure that teaches them the importance of friendship, loyalty, and trusting in one's self. Along the way, the toys meet other characters, such as the sarcastic Mr. Potato Head, the loyal Slinky Dog, and the lovable Rex, among many others. Not only does Toy Story entertain, but it also teaches children about the importance of friendship and standing up for oneself.

From Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, starring Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe
Rated G

Finding Nemo is an animated adventure comedy directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich. The film follows the story of an overprotective clownfish, Marlin, and his quest to find his son, Nemo, who was taken from the Great Barrier Reef and brought to a dentist's aquarium in Sydney. Along the way, Marlin must battle his fears and enlist the help of a friendly but forgetful fish, Dory, while evading the dangers of the deep sea. With the help of his ocean friends, Marlin embarks on a daring rescue mission to save his son and bring him back home. Along the way, Marlin and Dory learn important lessons about the power of friendship, courage, and perseverance. The movie was a huge box office success and was nominated for an Academy Award and several other awards.

From Tate Taylor, starring Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated PG-13

The Help is a 2011 American period drama film directed and written by Tate Taylor. The film is based on Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel of the same name and stars an ensemble cast, including Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, and Jessica Chastain. The Help tells the story of African-American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi, during the early 1960s, and how they helped the civil rights movement by sharing their stories of the working lives of African-Americans. The film follows the experiences of Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and her friend Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer) as they are hired by Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone) to help her write a book about the mistreatment of black maids in Jackson. The book, titled The Help, is a success and helps to bring about positive changes in the town.

From Brad Bird, starring Craig T. Nelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee
Rated PG

The Incredibles is a 2004 American computer-animated superhero film written and directed by Brad Bird. The film follows the Parr family, a family of superheroes who are forced to live a quiet, suburban lifestyle and hide their powers. After being contacted by a mysterious stranger, Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) is lured into a trap, prompting his wife Helen (Elastigirl) to take the children and go into hiding. Bob is eventually able to free himself and reunite his family, who then go on a mission to restore the public’s faith in superheroes and save the world from a nefarious plot. Along the way, the family must learn to balance their powers and duties, and bond as a family.

From Henry Selick, starring Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey
Rated PG

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 stop-motion animated musical fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and produced and conceived by Tim Burton. The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the "real world". He stumbles upon Christmas Town and soon decides to take over the role of Santa Claus. However, his efforts don't quite go as planned and the real Santa Claus must intervene to save Christmas from the Pumpkin King's chaos. Through a series of adventures, Jack learns the true meaning of Christmas and discovers his own special gifts. The film features the voices of Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon and Catherine O'Hara.

From John Carney, starring Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Jack Reynor
Rated PG-13

Sing Street is a 2016 coming-of-age musical-comedy-drama film written and directed by John Carney. Set in 1985 Dublin, Ireland, the film follows a teenaged boy who, in order to impress and win back his dream girl, starts a rock band and begins to make music. Along his journey, the boy discovers the power of music and its ability to bring him and his friends closer together. With the help of his older brother, he searches for a way to escape his difficult home life and pursue his dreams of making music. With a great soundtrack featuring iconic 80s songs and original music from the film's stars, Sing Street is a heartfelt and inspirational story of a young man's search for freedom and his own identity.

From Directors: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson, starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow
Rated PG

Shrek is a 2001 American computer-animated comedy film loosely based on the 1990 fairytale picture book of the same name by William Steig. Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson in their directorial debut, it stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. The film centers on an ogre named Shrek (Myers) who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona (Diaz) from Lord Farquaad (Lithgow). To regain his swamp, Shrek makes a deal with Farquaad and sets out with a wise-cracking Donkey (Murphy) to bring him the Princess. Along the way, Shrek encounters a number of obstacles as well as friends who help him on his quest. In the end, Shrek and Fiona are able to overcome their opponents and live happily ever after.

From Boaz Yakin, starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst
Rated PG

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports drama film directed by Boaz Yakin. The film is based on a true story of the T. C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia. In 1971, after federal court orders the desegregation of schools in the Alexandria area, Herman Boone is appointed head coach of the newly integrated team. With the help of a faithful assistant coach, Bill Yoast, Boone is determined to overcome the issues of racism and unite the team. Despite the odds stacked against them, the Titans overcome their differences and go on to win their first season, becoming state champions. The film is a powerful message of unity and the power of teamwork in the face of adversity.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Tom Wilson
Rated PG

Back to the Future Part II is a 1989 American science fiction adventure comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Bob Gale. It is the sequel to the 1985 film Back to the Future and the second installment in the Back to the Future trilogy. The film stars Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Thomas F. Wilson. The film follows Marty McFly and his friend, Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown as they travel 30 years into the future to ensure Marty's children have a prosperous future. However, they soon discover that their time-traveling has caused a number of unexpected problems. To fix the problems and return to their present, they must work with the eccentric inventor's daughter and the future version of Marty's girlfriend. Along the way, they must battle against time-traveling terrorists, a powerful business tycoon, and the ever-looming danger of the future.

From Marc Forster, starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell
Rated PG

Finding Neverland is a 2004 fantasy drama directed by Marc Forster and starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. The film is based on the play, The Man Who Was Peter Pan, by Allan Knee, and tells the story of renowned Scottish playwright, J.M. Barrie, and his friendship with a widow and her four young children. Barrie is struggling to find inspiration for his latest play when he meets the widow, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, and her sons, George, Jack, Peter and Michael. He is struck by the boys' imagination, and his relationship with them helps him to create the classic play, Peter Pan. The film follows Barrie's journey of discovery as he begins to understand the power of imagination and love. Along the way, he discovers the joy of being a father figure to the boys, and learns to accept the love of others.

From Richard Curtis, starring Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney
Rated R

Love Actually is a romantic comedy set around Christmas time in London. The movie follows the lives of nine intertwined couples who are all struggling to find and maintain love and happiness. The characters include a recently divorced writer, a recently widowed step-father, a Prime Minister, a young boy in search of a first love, an aging rock star, and more. The movie follows each character's story through the moments of joy, heartache, and confusion that come with modern relationships. The movie conveys the message that love can arrive in different forms and at unexpected times, and that what matters most is being open to the possibilities that life can bring.

From Directors: Steve Box, Nick Park, starring Peter Sallis, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Peter Kay
Rated G

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a 2005 British stop-motion animated comedy film directed by Steve Box and Nick Park. The film follows eccentric inventor Wallace and his loyal dog Gromit as they try to save their village from a mysterious creature known as The Were-Rabbit, which is terrorizing the town's annual vegetable competition. With the help of Wallace's neighbor Lady Tottington, they must capture and eliminate the Were-Rabbit before it devours all of the town's vegetables. Along the way, they must also contend with a rival pest control company and their conniving corporate lawyer. Through their adventures, Wallace and Gromit discover the truth behind the Were-Rabbit.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Mary Steenburgen, Tom Wilson
Rated PG

From Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Tim Burton, Mike Johnson, starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman
Rated PG

From Richard Linklater, starring Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack, Adam Pascal
Rated PG-13

From Josh Boone, starring Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connelly, Lily Collins, Nat Wolff
Rated R

From Directors: Peter Lord, Nick Park, starring Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels, Lynn Ferguson
Rated G

From Nancy Meyers, starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black
Rated PG-13

From Robert Luketic, starring Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis
Rated PG-13

From Donald Petrie, starring Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine, Benjamin Bratt, Candice Bergen
Rated PG-13